August 3, 2026
Welcome to ParentSquare!
Our school is using ParentSquare! We are excited to let you know that this year we'll be using ParentSquare to communicate with you at the school and in your classrooms and groups.
Homepage
School Profile 
Mission Statement
The mission of James S. Rickards High School is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed at the local, state, national, and international levels. Our students will emerge as responsible, self-supporting, and productive members of society, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Vision Statement
At James S. Rickards High School, our vision is to provide students with a caring and supportive learning environment that empowers them to reach their fullest potential through high-quality programs, instruction, and experiences.
We invite you to partner with us in achieving our mission and bringing it to life. Please consider volunteering your time or joining our School Advisory Council. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and strengthen our surrounding community.
Principal: Mr. Maurice Stokes
Assistant Principals:
- Dr. D. Barnes – Curriculum
- Mr. C. Cowart – Administration
- Mrs. Gautney – Intervention/Administration
- Mr. S. Striplin – Discipline
Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
School Hours: 7:25 AM – 1:55 PM
Principal’s Message
Principal Maurice Stokes is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to improving student achievement, fostering positive school cultures, and building strong community partnerships. A certified Florida school principal, he has successfully led elementary, middle, and high schools. His outstanding leadership has earned numerous honors, including Leon County's 2025 Jo Glick Principal of the Year, Gadsden County's Principal of the Year (2020 and 2021), and three Florida Department of Education Principal Achievement Awards. An alumnus of the Florida Department of Education Commissioner's Leadership Academy, Principal Stokes is committed to educational excellence, data-driven leadership, and empowering students, educators, and communities.
Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
Parents, Guardians, and Stakeholders—YOU’RE INVITED!
James S. Rickards High School invites all Freshman Parents & Guardians to join us for an informative evening designed to help your student have a successful freshman year!
📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Rickards High School Cafeteria
Learn important information about promotion and graduation requirements, attendance, GPA, earning course credits, testing requirements, college and career programs, extracurricular activities, academic and personal support, and administration and academic support.
Come connect, ask questions, and gain valuable tips and resources to help your freshman start strong and stay on track!
We look forward to seeing our Raider families!
One Team. One Goal. RAIDER PRIDE!
Join us for the James S. Rickards High School Annual Title I Meeting and learn more about our Title I Schoolwide Program, resources and opportunities available to support our students, and how families and community members can partner with us to promote student success.
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Media Center
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We value your input! Come ask questions, share ideas, and provide feedback as we work together to strengthen family engagement, improve our school, and support the academic success of every Raider.
After the Annual Title I Meeting, we will hold our first School Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting for the 2026 - 2027 school year at 6:00 PM in the Media Center. Please join us to learn about what is happening at Rickards and how you can best help your child succeed.
We look forward to seeing you there!
ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL. RAIDER PRIDE!
Parent Right to Know
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Leon County Schools Policy 2261.02 – Parents' Right to Know, parents and guardians have the right to request and receive information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessional(s).
In accordance with ESSA, Section 1112(e)(1)(A), parents and guardians may request, and the school will provide in a timely manner, information regarding:
- Whether their child's teacher has met state qualification and licensing requirements for the grade level and subject area in which the teacher provides instruction.
- Whether their child's teacher is teaching under an emergency, provisional, or other status through which state qualification or licensing requirements have been waived.
- The teacher's college major, as well as any graduate degrees, certifications, or other credentials held by the teacher.
- Whether their child receives services from a paraprofessional and, if so, information regarding the paraprofessional's qualifications.
James S. Rickards High School is committed to ensuring that parents and guardians have access to information that supports informed involvement in their child's education.
For additional information, please review the Rickards 2026–2027 Parents' Right-to-Know Letter or contact the school with any questions regarding your rights under Title I and ESSA.
Warmly,
Mr. Maurice Stokes
Phone: 850-414-5500 |Email
One Team. One Goal. Raider Pride!
Administrative Updates
Dr. Barnes, Assistant Principal of Curriculum
Students, Parents, and Guardians,
Does your student need a little extra academic support? The Rickards Raiders Achievement Academy (R²A²) is here to help!
R²A² provides afterschool academic support in:
• English Language Arts
• Algebra & Geometry
• Biology
• U.S. History
Days: Monday – Thursday
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: James S. Rickards High School Cafeteria
Priority enrollment is given to 9th and 10th grade students performing at Level 1 or Level 2, scheduled to take the FAST or the BEST assessments. Students must complete an application to participate, and space is limited. Give your student the opportunity to strengthen academic skills, improve grades, and stay on track for graduation!
📧 For an application or questions about enrollment, please contact Dr. Satchell at satchellk@leonschools.net.
Don’t wait—join R²A² and make success the goal!
One Team. One Goal. RAIDER PRIDE!
Greatness Awaits!
Mr. Cowart, Assistant Principal of Administration
Dear Parents and Guardians of Juniors and Seniors:
The 2026 – 2027 Off-Campus Lunch and Student Parking applications are published on our website, under quick links.
- Completed applications that have been signed by a parent/guardian and notarized are currently being accepted in the front office.
- Parking decals will be issued upon submission and approval of the parking application.
- Off-campus lunch ID cards will be issued after school begins in August.
Please note beginning the first day of school, Wednesday, August 14th, parking applications will only be accepted after 6th period.
Questions? Please contact Assistant Principal Cowart| Email
ParentSquare
Stay up to date on exciting news, events and more with the ParentSquare app!
August 3, 2026
Step 2: Download the App
It’s easy to stay in the loop with the ParentSquare app. Download it now for iOS or Android devices. Register for ParentSquare from the Mobile App Parent Dashboard on Mobile App
August 3, 2026
Step 3: Set Preferences
Click your name in the top right to set your notification and language preferences. More tips More
August 3, 2026
Step 4: Parent/Guardian 101's:
Parent/Guardian 101: Support Your Student with ParentSquare
August 3, 2026
Step 1: Activate Your Account
Click the link in your activation email/text, or sign up on parentsquare.com or via the ParentSquare app. Next, check out our guide to getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you need? Utilize the search feature at the top of the page to look up key words.
-
We offer a range of programs, including special education, English language development, gifted education, and counseling services to support diverse student needs.
-
Safety is our top priority. We have secure campus entry points, regular emergency drills, and on-site staff trained in emergency response. Our visitor management system ensures that all guests are signed in and monitored.
-
Our elementary school day typically begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m., with after-school programs available for families needing extended care.
-
Registration is straightforward and can be done online or in person at the school office. Required documents include proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization records.
-
We welcome family involvement! Parents can volunteer in classrooms, join the PTA, participate in family nights, or attend school events. Your involvement strengthens our school community and supports your child's learning experience.
-
Technology is integrated to enhance learning, with resources such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software that support students' digital literacy and engagement.
Community Groups & Guests
Be Our Guest! - Rickards High School
This group is designed to allow our school to interact with individuals who are not already directly connected to our students or the broader community. Please use this to create a "Guest" account in our system! Note: If you are a contact for a student who may not have custodial rights (Step-Parent, Grandparent, Relative, Guardian, etc. ), you will need to join this group before attempting to join any group through a shared QR code/Link from a teacher, athletic coach, or group sponsor.
